Grooving for grooming

A south-east Melbourne-based employment and domestic violence charity is calling on residents to ‘shout a mate’ during these tough times.

Groomed To Go provides services across Melbourne and regional areas and, with unemployment and domestic violence rising, is asking residents to help them continue to support their clients during the Covid-19 pandemic through the Shout-A-Mate campaign.

The Shout-A-Mate campaign asks participants “What’s a mate worth to you?” and calls on them to donate whatever they can to support the community through this challenging time, ‘shouting’ someone a new pair of socks or shoes, a suit or dress and other everyday essential items.

Like many not-for-profits, Groomed To Go has seen the suspension of fundraising activities over the Covid-19 shutdown.

This has resulted in a lack of funding for their free outfit and styling services, skill building workshops and confidence building programs for jobseekers and those in need, at a time when the demand has increased more than ever.

Sandy Gregory, general manager of Groomed to Go says: “It’s easy to hear statistics about the current rise in unemployment and domestic violence and forget that each number is a person, someone we’d be proud to call a mate.

“At Groomed To Go we get to know ordinary people who are doing it tough every day and have supported hundreds of men and women – each someone’s mate – with support services whenever they are needed. And they are needed now more than ever.”

To help spread awareness and raise funds for this important initiative, Groomed To Go are challenging the community to join in the Groomed to Go Dance Challenge.

To join, simply:1. Layer your clothing donations

2. Film your dance on TikTok

3. Post and share with #g2gdancechallenge

4. Donate $ at shoutforgood.com/charities/groomed-to-go

5. Send your donated clothes to Groomed To Go

6. Challenge your friends!

For more on the Shout-A-Mate campaign and Groomed To Go Dance Challenge, visit shoutforgood.com/charities/groomed-to-go or facebook.com/groomedtogosoutheastmelb